Advice for first time apartment renters?

Question

My boyfriend and I have begun looking at apartments in preparation to move out in about a year's time. And if I'm being honest, I'm a little terrified. 
What's some advice you wish you had known before you rented your first apartment? I'd love to hear it all. 😊

Answer

Get renters insurance!!! It's only $7-$9 a month and it will save your life if something happens! My neighbor was smoking and threw his cigarette out in my bush, it lit on fire and the whole complex went up in flames. I lost everything I owned. I was one of two people out of 12 that had renters insurance and they replaced everything! Life saver!

Answer

Be prepared to need first, last rent and security deposit. Most times water is included but electric is not it's expensive

Answer

Stock up on ear plugs.

Answer

Take pictures of the apartment before you move all your stuff in and take inventory on everything provided (washer dryer, stove etc). When my SO and I got our first apt together we didn't think anything of it and just mentioned a few concerns to our landlord (including paint peeling in a small area, minor stains in the tub, black marks on the ceiling in one room that couldn't be removed no matter how much I scrubbed etc).  we were told not  to worry about it. Our landlord was great about everything (always fixed things that broke in a timely manner and would share extra produce from their garden) and we even told people how we felt lucky to be in such a good place. Flash forward to when we gave our 30 days notice. They became distant and removed and wouldn't respond to any of our calls or emails. After moving out we were shorted in the refund of our security deposit because of the damages that were there when we moved in. They also accused us Of stealing a broiler pan from the oven (that was never there when we moved in).  Be smart and protect yourself.

Answer

Its expensive first off.. second do you like to hear people yelling due to drunk fights at 1-3 am?... or kids at 6am screaming down the hall way and running... we hear everything... 
Our office manager lost papers and basically fucked us over.. they Jack the price up sometimes without notice and say we notified you...
You pay water gas electric rent rental insurance your electric isn't cheap BTW especially if it's electric stove and a.c for me I was happier in a house rental... I didn't hear people next to me screaming kids doors slamming..  I could have pets and not a lot of stairs also...
Great part of our apartment was the view... it was amazing... I will never rent an apartment again! Ever!!!
They would have to pay me to live in one...

Answer

Oh and look into the landlord tenant laws in your state. Most require 24 hours verbal and or written notice before entering unless an actually emergency, make them stick to it

I've only had one truly awful experience with a landlord. Apartment went into foreclosure. Didn't want to follow rules, had to put a written notice on MY door stating he wasn't to enter unless it was in those circumstances.

Answer

Try to get at least one utility included.

READ THE LEASE, actually read it. Don't skim it.

Take pictures of your empty apartment so they can't screw you with the security deposit.

Answer

Definitely be prepared to pay security deposit And First And last month's rent and deposit on Electric and Gas for first timers which is like $100 each! ALSO have some money saved up for rent and utilities in case you lose job for any reason, get hurt, fired, laid off, break up, etc.! IMPORTANT: Make sure YOU can afford apartment on your own if your name is on the lease!!! Cuz whoever moves out first isn't responsible for paying unless You take them to court n it's a big hassle! n U have to pay in meantime! N if u can't, n get evicted, they will come after Both of you for the term of lease or a minimum of 3mos rent, depending on lease agreement! Oh and 1 more IMPORTANT thing: Take pics/video of everything in apartment b4 signing lease n moving in and right b4 u move out so they can't lie and keep ur security deposit! N know the laws on when they can keep sec. Deposit n laws on what they're responsibilities r n urs r n in lease BEFORE Signing Lease! Renters insurance is cheap! Split utilities in half 1 in ur name n 1 in his etc. So ur not only risking ur credit! Do a go thru in apartment B4 signing lease make sure EVERYTHING Works(faucets, hot water, stove burners, lights, toilet etc)! And have extra money cuz u will always need more than u think, food cleaning products, vacuum, hygiene products, blow dryer etc if u share w/ fam. Now, furniture(donated is good for 1st time apartment), seasonings, silverware, dishes, bandaids, tylenol etc, cookware, blinds, etc.! Make a LIST cuz u will forget something cuz there's so much! Nothing worse then going to eat n no fork or plate or etc.! Those are some of the Lil things you're so used to having u usually forget I've moved out if state recently n back again n it's just like starting over with a lot of those Lil things! Good luck n very responsible that your thinking about this in advance! You can never be too prepared! But looking for places should wait till you're close to moving out! But good to get an idea of prices!

Answer

If possible try to get one without a contract! Absolutely hated the place I was at and I had to break my contract and it was a complete mess!!

Answer

Central air! Make sure you have it. I lived upstairs and I felt a lot more safer to leave the screen door open at night to let the fresh air come in. Make sure you like he place and make sure it's in your price range. A gated community is a plus, makes you feel safer

Advice for first time apartment renters?

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